Yarden Jamir | Mokokchung | December 3
There are many handicapped youths calling themselves “educated unemployed” which is a very big disability in our society, said Chumlamo Humtsoe, Additional Deputy Commissioner and ERO, Mokokchung.
Humtsoe said this at the program to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday, which was organized by the Department of Social Welfare, Medical Department, School Education, Election Department, Mokokchung District Disable Forum, R.D. under the theme “Transformative Solutions for Lucrative Development: The Role of Innovation in Fuelling an Accessible and Equitable World” at the DC Conference Hall Mokokchung.
The ADC, who graced the program as special guest, said that everyone is disabled in some way, be it physically or be it mentally. He said that disability is a state of mind.
Humtsoe asserted that, physically, one might look alright but because of certain mental blockades, one cannot venture out and take up challenges making it a stumbling block which makes us disabled in many areas which in turn leads to the disabilities factors.
He said that many youths are depending on their parents to find jobs for them even after providing them with everything including their education and livelihoods till their twenties and even thirties, instead of venturing out to compete with their peers.
He said that there are many such “handicapped youths calling themselves educated unemployed.”
“This is a very big disability in our society,” Humtsoe said.
While encouraging the differently abled persons in the gathering, Humtsoe said that Stephen Hawking, a person who could not move nor speak for most of his life overcame his physical disabilities to become the greatest minds of our times. He encouraged the gathering to not let physical disabilities hinder one’s progress.
The ADC also informed that there are currently only 465 registered PwDs’ who are eligible to vote in Mokokchung district. He said that, according to the state average, the number is very low and added that all eligible voters should be enrolled to cast their votes for the person of their choice and not be denied their fundamental right.
Meanwhile, Mangli, District Welfare Officer stated that there are currently 706 people registered in the differently abled schemes under the Social Welfare Department in Mokokchung.
Mangli however said that the ministry could provide assistance to only 9 beneficiaries due to non-active bank accounts. Hence, he urged the registered members to keep active bank accounts to receive government benefits.
The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. The observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The program was chaired by Imliyanger, CDPO Kubolong while the invocation was pronounced by Jangtsülong Pongen, APY, Aliba Baptist Church.
The program was enthralled by a special number by the renowned artiste Katibenla.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Limatula also gave a short speech while Imkongnungchet Kichu, President, Mokokchung District Disabled Forum delivered the vote of thanks.
